More than 3,000 riot officers will be deployed across the UK on Saturday.
A pro-asylum protester is detained by police officers outside the Britannia Hotel on Friday (Image: Anadolu via Getty Images)
Tensions are high across the UK today with demonstrations outside migrant hotels planned for multiple locations, with tensions flaring in Nuneaton as anti-racism protesters incurred the wrath of passing locals, with chants of “Keir Starmer‘s a w*****”. Other demonstrations are underway in places including Bristol and Newark, after similar protests on Friday night. Last night, Express.co.uk’s Lotti O’Brien was on the spot outside the Britannia Hotel in London, where police arrested two people, one anti-asylum protester for allegedly throwing a bottle, and one a pro-migrant demonstrator for refusing to remove a facemask. Large crowds also gathered outside other hotels in locations including Epping, Leeds, Portsmouth and Rugby.
Police forces across England and Wales are bracing for potential disorder, deploying around 3,000 riot officers in anticipation of violent clashes. The Metropolitan Police and other forces are urging the public to avoid the affected areas where possible and to remain cautious around large gatherings, with the Palestine Coalition staging a march from Russell Square to Whitehall. Deputy Assistant Commissioner Ade Adelekan, who will lead the policing operation, warned: “Anyone showing support for Palestine Action can expect to be arrested.”
Asylum seeker hotels ‘haemorrhaging financially’
A counter-protester at he demonstration in Solihull conceded that asylum seeker hotels were “haemorrhaging financially”, saying “nobody wants them”.
Salman Mirza, gathered to oppose anti-migrant protest in the area, said there needs to be “civil conversation” between both sides.
He told GB News: “These hotels, nobody was using them, they were haemorrhaging financially.
“And I’m not happy that these hotels are being used, neither are the asylum seekers, they want the right to work. I’ve been part of different campaigns saying, if somebody is claiming asylum, give them the right to work.
“They want to pay back to this community that’s giving them sanctuary.”
Palestine Action protest arrests upped to 466
The Metropolitan Police arrested 466 people in London today for supporting Palestine Action.
The force said: “Parliament Square and Whitehall are clear. As of 9pm, 466 people had been arrested for showing support for Palestine Action.
“There were a further eight arrests for other offences including five assaults on officers. This will be the final update of the day.”
Those detained were taken to prisoner processing points in the Westminster area.
Those whose details could be confirmed were bailed, with conditions not to attend any further protest in support of Palestine Action.
Those whose details were refused, or could not be verified, were taken to custody suites across London.
Police arrest 365 people over Palestine Action support at protest
Bournemouth protester says seaside town now ‘Wild West’
An anti-immigration protester in Bournemouth claimed the seaside town has turned into the “Wild West”.
Local Adam Elcock said the migrant crisis across the UK was “out of control” during the demonstration against asylum seeker hotels in the area.
He told GB News: “It was a fantastic turnout, very peaceful, it was almost like a community festival. Very good turnout. I’d say probably north of 500 here from the count and speaking to one of the police.
“A lot of well-wishers turning up, having a look, people driving around in their cars, flag waving flags, a very good demonstration. There’s some good speakers here, and I think it got the point across that the town are simply frustrated with the way it’s going.”
Pictured: Police drag away Palestine Action supporters
Police arrested 365 people in London today for supporting Palestine Action – a proscribed organisation.
Police arrested 365 people in London today. (Image: Getty)
Police arrested 365 people in London today. (Image: Getty)
Police carrying riot helmets separate Liverpool protesters
Police in Liverpool were seen carrying riot helmets as they separated anti-immigration and anti-racism protesters
Things remained peaceful other than shouting exchanged between both parties.
The anti-migrant demonstrators waved Union flags and reportedly chanted “Hey Tommy Tommy” in an apparent reference to Tommy Robinson.
Police investigating reported assault at Manchester protest
Greater Manchester Police are investigating a complaint by a GB News reporter that she was struck by a placard while trying to interview anti-racism protesters.
Sophie Reaper, the channel’s North West reporter, was broadcasting live from a Stand Up To Racism protest near the Cresta Hotel in Altrincham.
She said she was “a bit shaken up” and had “a bit of a killer headache”, and reported it to police as “I don’t feel it is appropriate for violence to ever be used”.
The force said said: “We are investigating reports of an assault at around 6.45pm on Church Street, Altrincham last night (August 8). inquiries into the incident are currently ongoing.”
Former Guantanamo Bay detainee among 365 arrested
Guantanamo Bay detainee Moazzem Begg was among the 365 people arrested at protests showing support for Palestine Action.
Campaign group Defend The Juries has now said Mr Begg was among those arrested.
Begg previously spent almost three years in Guantanamo and other detainment camps on suspicion of terrorist affiliations between 2002 and 2005.
He was never charged and released in 2005 after an intervention by the Government.
He said in a statement: “This action is not about Palestine Action, but wider issues of how anti-terror legislation curtails basic freedoms and undermines the rule of law which CAGE International has highlighted over 22 years.
“There can be no doubt that such laws have been, and continue to be abused and exploited, to suppress free speech and put in place an oppressive infrastructure that represents a danger to our civil liberties.”
Some protesters ‘crossed the line into criminality’, says Yvette Cooper
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said some of the protesters supporting Palestine Action today “crossed the line into criminality”.
She said: “Tens of thousands of people marched in London today to protest in support of Palestinian rights, working with the police to carry out their demonstration largely without incident.
“This will have been replicated in many other parts of the country too. We thank the police for their work in dealing with the very small number of people whose actions crossed the line into criminality.
“The right to protest is one we protect fiercely but this is very different from displaying support for this one specific and narrow, proscribed organisation.
“Palestine Action was proscribed based on strong security advice following serious attacks the group has committed, involving violence, significant injuries and extensive criminal damage.
“It also follows an assessment from the Joint Terrorism Assessment Centre that the group prepares for terrorism, as well as concerning information referencing plans and ideas for further attacks, the details of which cannot yet be publicly reported due to ongoing legal proceedings.
“Many people may not yet know the reality of this organisation, but the assessments are very clear, this is not a non-violent organisation. UK national security and public safety must always be our top priority.
“Their actions are not about the horrific suffering in the Middle East and do not reflect or represent the thousands of people across the country who are exercising their rights to protest peacefully.
“I would like to thank the police in London and across the country for their work to facilitate peaceful attendance at protests large and small today and officers’ continued dedication in responding to support for a proscribed organisation.”
Boy, 17, arrested at Nuneaton protest
A 17-year-old boy has been arrested for making threats to cause criminal damage after the anti-migrant protest in Nuneaton today.
Nuneaton and Bedworth Police said: “Today we have worked with our partners and our communities as a peaceful protest in Nuneaton took place
“Protesters gathered outside the Town Hall from 12pm and left the area at around 3.30pm. We maintained a presence in the area throughout to ensure the safety of all protesters and our communities.
“As a result of the protest, we did make one arrest, a 17-year-old boy from Nuneaton, for making threats to cause criminal damage. He remains in custody at this time.
“Thank you to all who worked with us to exercise their democratic right to protest in a way that was peaceful and lawful today.”
One arrested at separate pro-Palestine protest
One person was arrested at a Palestine Coalition march from Russell Square to Whitehall via Aldwych and the Strand.
The arrest was “for a placard showing support for Palestine Action”, Scotland Yard said.
Membership of, or support for, Palestine Action is a criminal offence punishable by up to 14 years in prison under the Terrorism Act 2000.
Why are people in Nuneaton protesting?
The protest comes after two men, reportedly Afghan asylum seekers, were charged over the rape of a 12-year-old girl.
Ahmad Mulakhil, 23, was charged with rape, and Mohammad Kabir, 23, with kidnap, strangulation, and aiding and abetting rape of a girl under 13.
Warwickshire Police Chief Constable Alex Franklin-Smith said the force “did not and will not” cover up alleged criminality and had followed national guidance.
Police arrest 365 for supporting Palestine Action
Over 300 people have been arrested today following a London demonstration in support of Palestine Action.
The Metropolitan Police said: “As of 6pm, 365 people had been arrested for supporting a proscribed organisation.
“There have been seven arrests for other offences including five for assaults on officers. Fortunately none were seriously injured.”
The force said those detained were taken to prisoner processing points in the Westminster area.
Those whose details could be confirmed were bailed, with conditions not to attend any further protest in support of Palestine Action.
Those whose details were refused, or could not be verified, were taken to custody suites across London.
Palestine Action: Police make arrests of people supporting group
Protesters in Solihull gather outside hotel
Protesters gathered outside the Ramada Hotel in Solihull today, waving Union flags and handmade signs.
Counter-demonstrators lined up on the other side of the street, with police stationed in front.
They held signs saying “Refugees welcome here” and “Stop the far right”.
People on social media urged locals to “stay vigilant” and stay indoors.
Liverpool student says university is ‘not safe anymore’
A student attending the Liverpool anti-immigration protest with her mum said she doesn’t feel safe going to university anymore.
She told GB News: “I’m a university student, and it’s not safe anymore. There’s illegal housing right next to the university, so I don’t feel like it’s safe to go to university, especially at night.”
The mother-daughter duo held a sign reading “Protect our women and children”.
The student’s mum said British people are “sick” of the migrant crisis, particularly in Liverpool, where there are asylum seeker hotels and accommodation.
Video captures clash between police and Palestine Action supporters
Police arrested 200 people in London’s Parliament Square today for protesting in support of Palestine Action.
A shocking social media video captured the moment Met officers arrested people at the demonstration, shouting at others to “get back”.
The arrests were met with chants of “let him go” and “shame on you”. Another woman can be heard telling police they’re “on the wrong side of history”.
Pictured: Protesters waving Union flags descend on Nuneaton
Hundreds of protesters gathered in Nuneaton after two men, reported to be Afghan asylum seekers, were charged over the rape of a 12-year-old girl.
The crowd, also protesting against asylum hotels and houses of multiple occupation, was met with Stand Up to Racism counter-protesters outside the Town Hall.
People during an anti-immigration protest in Nuneaton (Image: PA)
People gather at an anti-immigration protest outside Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council. (Image: PA)
Arrests at Palestine Action protest soar to 200
It has now been reported that the Metropolitan Police arrested 200 people during a protest in support of Palestine Action – up from the previous figure of 150.
The force said those detained were taken to prisoner processing points in the Westminster area.
Those whose details could be confirmed were bailed, with conditions not to attend any further protest in support of Palestine Action.
Those whose details were refused, or could not be verified, were taken to custody suites across London.
Palestine Action supporters shout ‘shame on you’ at police making arrests
The Metropolitan Police arrested 150 people during the protest in support of Palestine Action today.
Between 600 and 700 people sat on Parliament Square in London between 1pm and 2pm with cardboard signs saying “I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action”.
Officers held individual demonstrators on the edge of the grass before escorting them through swelling crowds to police vans parked on the edge of the square.
Other officers attended a protester lying next to the fenced-off Emmeline Pankhurst statue before arresting protesters sat in the middle of Parliament Square.
Onlookers applauded the protesters and shouted “Shame on you” at the police.
Nuneaton counter-protesters call to ‘stop the far right’
Stand Up to Racism counter-protesters held yellow placards and banners reading “stop the far right” outside Nuneaton Town Hall.
One person in the group brought a handwritten sign questioning: “Why do fascists only care about women when they can use our stories and pain to oppress others?”
Another banner reading, “What about our girls’ human right to safety” is being held near the anti-migrant protesters waving Union flags.
The two groups are being separated by police officers and vehicles near the Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council building.
Palestine Action protest arrests ‘breach international human rights laws’
Amnesty International sent a statement to Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley, warning that any arrests would breach of international human rights law.
The force arrested 50 people during the hour-long silent protest in support of Palestine Action today.
Between 600 and 700 people sat on Parliament Square in London between 1pm and 2pm with cardboard signs saying “I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action”.
Nuneaton anti-migrant protester declares ‘we are not neo-Nazis’
Anti-migrant and Stand Up To Racism protesters gathered outside the Town Hall in Nuneaton earlier today.
One woman gathered could be heard telling the anti-racism group, “We are not neo-Nazis”.
They have gathered in response to two men, reportedly Afghan asylum seekers, who were charged over the alleged rape of a 12-year-old girl in the town.
Palestine Action protest arrests upped to 150
It was previously reported that only 50 people had been arrested at the protest in support of Palestine Action, but this has now been upped to 150.
Defend Our Juries, which organised the demonstration, said between 600 and 700 people were in Parliament Square between 1pm and 2pm.
The crowd held signs declaring: “I oppose genocide, I support Palestine Action.”
Several demonstrators carrying placards that read “Palestine Action terrorises Britain while Hamas hides in hospitals, schools and mosques” were led away by police officers.
Police arrest 50 during Palestine Action protest
The Metropolitan Police arrested 50 people during the hour-long silent protest in support of Palestine Action today.
Between 600 and 700 people sat on Parliament Square in London between 1pm and 2pm with cardboard signs saying “I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action”.
The Met called in support from other forces, including all the way from Wales.
It said on social media: “We have significant resources deployed to this operation. It will take time but we will arrest anyone expressing support for Palestine Action.”
Nuneaton protestors shout ‘who are you?’ at counter-demonstrators
Anti-migrant and Stand Up To Racism protestors gathered outside the Town Hall in Nuneaton earlier today.
A group could be heard shouting “who are you?” at the counter-demonstrators.
One of the women gathered also said to the anti-racism group, “We are not neo-Nazis”.
Anti-immigration protesters chant ‘stop the boats’ as they stage march
People protesting in Nuneaton after two reported asylum seekers were charged over the alleged rape of a girl, have led a march through the Warwickshire town centre.
Some protesters carried flags while a few wore masks covering part of their faces as they walked from the Town Hall, up Queen’s Road, along Stratford Street, and down Abbey Street before heading back towards the Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council building.
The protesters chanted “no more HMOs (houses of multiple occupation)”, “stop the boats” and “we want our country back” as they walked.
Protesters gather in Newcastle city centre
Protesters gathered in Newcastle city centre for the second week running to oppose the UK’s asylum policy, while counter-protesters at the Laing Art Gallery voiced support for refugees.
A large police presence worked to keep the groups apart, after last week’s demonstrations saw four arrests, reports Chronicle Live.
Former mayor Habib Rahman called for “grown up conversations,” warning that misinformation was fuelling tensions, despite official figures showing the number of asylum seekers in hotels has dropped by almost 20,000 in two years.
Newcastle City Council is in talks with the Home Office to end the use of a city centre hotel for asylum accommodation, amid concerns over costs and living conditions in facilities run by private contractors.
Demonstrators gather in Newcastle (Image: Getty Images)
Why are anti-immigration protesters angry at Starmer?
In recent days, anti-migrant protesters have targeted Sir Keir Starmer with chants, amid wider demonstrations over the use of hotels to house asylum seekers, including in Epping where an alleged sexual assault has heightened tensions.
Protesters say they want tighter immigration controls and a halt to such hotel placements, citing concerns over safety and strain on local services.
The events have drawn involvement from groups on the political right, which critics say are using local anger to mobilise larger protests.
Sir Keir has previously blamed the far right for stoking hostility toward migrants, a position he outlined publicly last year.
The current chants reflect a mix of local grievances, political activism, and wider national debates over migration policy.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer (Image: Getty)
Tempers threaten to boil over in Nuneaton
Large crowds of anti-immigration demonstrators are marching through the centre of Nuneaton, with chants of “Keir Starmer‘s a w******” and some involved in angry arguments with police.
Anti-immigration protesters arrive at migrant hotel in Bristol
In Bristol, anti-immigration protesters are facing a hotel housing asylum seekers but are blocked by a line of police and around 400 counter protesters, reports Bristol Live.
They just chanted ‘turn your backs on the scum’ and turned around temporarily
Policed officers by an anti-immigration protest nearby as protesters take part in the ‘Defend Refuge (Image: PA)
Pro-migrant protesters in Nuneaton appear to be retreating
The group of Stand Up To Racism protesters left the Town Hall in Nuneaton while protesters on the other side followed them.
People carrying Union flags chanted “scum”, “get them out” and “paedo” as they walked into the Ropewalk Shopping Centre in the town.
Shoppers stopped to watch what was happening while police escorted the group.
Protests underway outside hotel in Bournemouth
Anti-illegal immigration protesters are also gathering outside The Roundhouse hotel in Bournemouth.
Protests are underway in Bournemouth (Image: Getty Images)
Large numbers of police gather in Parliament Square
In London, large numbers of Metropolitan Police officers have gathered in Parliament Sqaure ahead of a “Lift The Ban” demonstration in support of the proscribed group Palestine Action, calling for the recently imposed ban to be lifted.
Organisers expect at least 500 people to turn up to a new demonstration in support of Palestine Action today, and police have warned all demonstrators could face arrest, with at least one already having been detained.
A Met Police statement on X said: “Within this crowd a significant number of people are displaying placards expressing support for Palestine Action, which is a proscribed group. Officers have moved in and are making arrests.”
Palestine Action was proscribed under the 2000 Terrorism Act.
Members of the Metropolitan Police gather in Parliament Sqaure ahead of a “Lift The Ban” demonstrati (Image: AFP via Getty Images)
Anti-migrant protesters gathering in Bristol
The of anti-immigration protesters at Castle Park have doubled in the last 15 minutes or so, according to Bristol Live.
Demonstrators gather in Nuneaton
People have started gathering at a protest outside the Town Hall in Nuneaton, Warwickshire, waving Union flags and St George’s Cross flags.
A speaker inside a van adorned with Union flag bunting is blasting music, including Rule Britannia and the national anthem.
The protest has been organised in response to two men, reportedly Afghan asylum seekers, who were charged over the alleged rape of a 12-year-old girl in the town.
A group of Stand Up to Racism counter-protesters have also gathered outside the Town Hall with yellow placards and a banner which read “Stop the far right”. At least a dozen police were standing in front of them.
The two groups are being separated with police officers and police vehicles near the Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council building. Very loud music is being played through a PA system.
Large numbers gather outside hotel in Bristol
Large numbers of pro-migrant demonstrators have gathered outside Bristol’s Mercure Brigstow Hotel for a rally organised by Stand Up To Racism. Between 250 and 300 have gathered, according to Bristol Live.
Anti-migrant protesters are also gathering.
Protesters take part in the ‘Defend Refugees, Stand Up To Facism’ rally, organised by Stand Up to Ra (Image: PA)
Epping protest organisers planning second event on Sunday
The people behind an anti-migrant protest outside the Bell Hotel in Epping on Friday are planning a second event on Sunday.
A post on X stated: “This is not the end of our efforts. We will continue to raise our voices and make ourselves heard until our concerns are addressed.
“The message is clear: we will not stop until real action is taken.”
Palestine Solidarity Campaign gears up for march on Downing Street
Palestine Solidarity Campaign is also preparing to marche on Downing Street on Saturday in protest against Israel‘s actions in Gaza.
The Metropolitan Police said it has drawn officers in from other forces to help form a “significant policing presence” in the capital as it faces a busy weekend of protests.
More than 500 people are expected to hold up placards supporting the proscribed group in Parliament Square, after organisers Defend Our Juries announced earlier this week the event would go ahead.
The ban means that membership of, or support for, Palestine Action is a criminal offence punishable by up to 14 years in prison, under the Terrorism Act 2000.
It comes days after the first three people to be charged with supporting the group in England and Wales were named.
The march is set to get underway in Russell Square at 12noon.
Council leader fears agitators may hijack Nuneaton asylum seeker protests
Warwickshire County Council leader George Finch warned that protests outside a Nuneaton hotel housing asylum seekers could be “hijacked by agitators” intent on causing disorder, as tensions rose over an alleged rape case cover-up.
With a so-called Just Say No protest scheduled to get underway at 1pm, he said: “While the right to peaceful protest is a fundamental right, I am deeply concerned about the risk for these events to be hijacked by agitators who seek to cause disorder and division within our community.”
The demonstrations, sparked by charges against two Afghan asylum seekers for the alleged rape of a 12-year-old girl, drew both anti-migrant protesters and anti-racism counter-demonstrators.
Similar protests were reported in Bristol, Liverpool, and other cities, with Stand Up To Racism organising counter-demonstrations in 10 locations.
In Canary Wharf, police arrested one protester for throwing a bottle at officers, underscoring Finch’s concerns about escalating violence.
What happened on Friday?
On Friday night, police arrested two people outside the Britannia Hotel in Canary Wharf and two more near the Bell Hotel in Epping during protests against housing asylum seekers.
In Canary Wharf, one protester was detained after throwing a bottle at officers, while a counter-protester was arrested for refusing to remove a face covering.
Essex Police said the demonstration in Epping passed “peacefully,” but two men were arrested—one after an officer was struck by an object, another on suspicion of breaching bail.
These protests follow weeks of unrest linked to asylum seeker accommodation and allegations of sexual offences.
Britannia Hotel: Paul Condron speaks about his migrant concerns
Hundreds arrested in delivery driver crackdown
Hundreds of arrests have been made as part of what the Government called a “week-long crackdown” on asylum seekers taking jobs for delivery firms.
A total of 1,780 people were stopped and spoken to at locations across the UK over suspected illegal working activity between July 20 and 27.
Some 280 were arrested as a result, in areas including Hillingdon in north-west London, Dumfries in Scotland, and Birmingham, the Home Office said.
Some 89 of those have been detained pending removal from the country and 53 are now having their asylum support reviewed, which the Government said could result in their support being suspended or withdrawn.
The Home Office described the operation as a “nationwide intensification week” targeting illegal working hotspots, with a focus on the gig economy and people working as delivery riders.
Lee Anderson savages ‘refugees welcome crowd’ as he claims ‘we’re importing rapists’
Lee Anderson has lashed out at what he called the “refugees welcome crowd” as he called for all migrants crossing the English Channel to be detained in a secure facility and claimed: “We’re importing rapists.”
The Reform UK MP for Ashfield took to X on the day at least 20 demonstrations are understood to be planned by anti-migrant protesters up and down the UK, including in Bristol, Warwickshire and Norwich.
His remarks reflect rising concerns within the local community. In recent weeks, several high-profile cases have intensified public concern over asylum seekers and sexual offences in the UK.
In July 2025, Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu, a 38-year-old Ethiopian asylum seeker staying at the Bell Hotel, was charged with multiple sexual assaults in Epping, Essex, just over a week after arriving in the UK via small boat.
His trial is scheduled for August 26, 2025. The Bell Hotel, where he was apparently staying at the time, was the scene of large demonstrations on Friday night.
Welcome to our live blog
Tensions are high across the UK today with demonstrations in multiple locations, after similar protests on Friday night.
Last night Express.co.uk’s Lotti O’Brien was on the spot outside the Britannia Hotel in London, where police arrested two people, one anti-asylum protester for allegedly throwing a bottle, and one a pro-migrant demonstrator for refusing to remove a facemask.
Large crowds also gathered outside other hotels in locations including Epping, Leeds, Portsmouth and Rugby.
Police forces across England and Wales are bracing for potential disorder, deploying around 3,000 riot officers in anticipation of violent clashes.
The Metropolitan Police and other forces are urging the public to avoid the affected areas where possible and to remain cautious around large gatherings, with the Palestine Coalition planning a march from Russell Square to Whitehall.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Ade Adelekan, who will lead the policing operation, warned: “Anyone showing support for Palestine Action can expect to be arrested.”
